I’ve narrowed it down to two

2004, Sales Price $6,200, 92K miles, Premium, Navigation, and Sports packages.

2005, Sales Price $6,300, 119k miles, Premium Package, $1,000 Stereo w Sub (very important to my son)

They both have sun roofs and heated seats.

I know about the cosmetic upgrades in 2005 (nothing seemed major)

The 04 has a Limited Slip Differential and the 05 does not. (Thoughts about this please)

I will have it inspected by an Infiniti dealer.

Any thoughts and comments sure would be appreciated!

Thank you,

Tom

 

The 2004 has a limited slip deferential and the 2005 does not.

Does anyone one have experience with both?

Thank You for your help!

The Quest Continues!

Tom

 

The stock Bose system is more than enough bass imo. It has 2 6x9 subwoofer in the back I think. I'd go for the 2004 with the sport package. You can just replace it with a better nav system for less than 1000 easily. The 2005 will have a higher rev limit compared to the 2004.

 

Thank you G35ATL

 

Did you check the valve gaskets for leaks? If they are leaking, thats $1500 to repair unless you do it yourself. Then figure about 450 all in for brand new Infiniti valve covers with all new gaskets (spark plugs leak, just buy new valve covers and do it right). Actually doing mine tomorrow... I figure an all day project with cleaning out everything while I have the engine apart. These go on the VQs though, so I would be checking for that....

 

LI-G35 - Thanks Man! Having one (2004 with less miles and more toys) inspected today. I will make sure they check for a leaking Valve Cover Gasket! Hope yours went smooth for you and there were no surprises!

 

Let us know what they find! I have an 2004 coupe but no sport package sadly. Common problems are. Seat tearing, window motors, lock actuator?, valve cover gaskets, cd changer, and ball joints/bushing. I've also replaced head unit, center brake light, wheel bearings, headlights/ballast and radiator as well. At 185k bought at 101k.

 

Sheesh, I was quoted 400 by my mechanic(aftermarket covers of course)

Still ended up doing them myself

 

If it were me and both cars were in good shape I'd go for the 2005. Way better interior, sleeker outside (no washboard spoiler) and even though $1000 isn't a lot to spend on a quality DD swap the factory radios on all years G will eventually crap out on you and you'll have to replace it with another OEM piece of junk or spend some coin to replace it with an aftermarket option. If neither car has been maintained well you're also looking at over $1000 in suspension maintenance including shocks and bushings. Factory radiators are plastic pieces of junk so there's another $100 if you DIY and $250-350 if you need a shop to replace it. Valve covers, door lock actuators, window motors have already been mentioned as potential issues as well so be prepared to put a decent amount of money into which of the 2 you pick or any higher mileage models you shift your focus to. Don't get me wrong, these cars can be a blast but they become money pits once they get older and older.

GL with your search and let us know how it all works out.

 

You Guys Rock!!! Thank You Very Much for your input! It’s always good to know what to expect and to keep my eyes on. The darn dealer photo shopped the pictures of the 2004. The mechanic sent me pictures of the exterior and that was enough for me to say, “No Thank You.” I’ve now found a 2005 with 72k miles, Premium Package only, that’s about an hour from my house. He’s firm on $7,500! That’s in range on KBB. Thats about $1,000 more than I wanted to spend, but love love love the low miles. I got the vin and everything checks out. No salvage or rebuilt title and and the miles check out! It’s already got after market 19” wheels and has the windows tinted (my son loves both of those features). I’ll also let my 17 year old put in the new stereo! I’ll check it out, get it to a mechanic, and hopefully get to purchase this one! I’ll post pictures of her after I get her! Thanks again guys! Your help is truly truly appreciated!!!

 

Sounds like you might have found something! Have it inspected, drive it around yourself, make sure she runs right. Make sure to check underneath for rust.

If you do buy, make sure to take care of her. These cars will treat you very well, as long as you do the same. Stay on top of the oil aswell.. VQs are thirsty engines. Enjoy!

 

We finally brought her home! She’s a 2005, 72k miles, Premium Package, Aero Package, and maybe the Sports Package ( Metal Petals and Orange Laced Steering Wheel). We got her for $7,500. Does anyone know how I can find out exactly what Packages / Options she has? She has XM radio and 8 speakers, but I want to know if she has the OEM Amplifier. Also want to know if she had the OEM Sports Suspension and Limited Slip Differential. The Local Infiniti Dealer’s Parts Department was no help at all!

 

I also wanted to Thank everyone for your help! I know it takes some time and effort to reply to these posts. Your input helped me feel like I make a good decision!!! Thank You Very Much!!!

 

Congrats she's a beauty. I think itll be in the owners manual.

 

You can call an Infiniti dealership and get all the details about a car by giving them the VIN. Pretty simple process unless they throw attitude. I've seen it go both ways.